Andover logger run over by skidder

JAY, Maine — An Andover logger was seriously injured Monday when he was run over by a skidder tire about a mile into the woods.

The accident occurred off Route 133, near Belanger’s Motors.

It appears that Kurt Thurston, 32, was on his skidder when it rolled back and he jumped off and was run over by a front wheel, Jay Public Safety Director Larry White Sr. said.

Thurston was winching trees up a hill when the skidder started to roll back, Jay police Detective Richard Caton IV said.

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Thurston’s injuries included possible broken legs and internal injuries, White said. The extent of the injuries was unknown at the scene, he said.

Thurston, who was alone in the woods, called 911 emergency dispatch at 1:10 p.m. to report the accident, White said.

An ambulance crew went in on ATVs supplied by residents, White said.

Thurston was placed on a stretcher and it was put on the back of a Yamaha Rhino ATV. Emergency responders walked beside it to keep the stretcher steady as they made their way out of the woods, White said.

Jay and Livermore Falls firefighters, Jay police, NorthStar Emergency Medical Services and some residents with all-terrain vehicles assisted with the rescue. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department was called in with its all-terrain vehicle to assist if needed.

Firefighters and Detective Caton went into the woods, and Jay Assistant Fire Chief Michael Booker coordinated the rescue from that end, White said.

Thurston was located a little over a mile from the road, he said.

White said he and Livermore Falls Fire Chief Gerry Pineau assisted, coordinating from the road. Pineau also went into the woods to help at one point.

Rescuers had Thurston out at 3:05 p.m.

“It was an outstanding effort by everyone,” White said.

Thurston was taken by ambulance to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.